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Larry and Mark Tewksbury at the Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show
He would go on to serve 12 years on the NGCOA Canada National Board, including a term as our national President. His leadership really shone through at that time, and golf course owners and operators from coast to coast benefitted.
It was during this time that I really got to know Larry. We traveled together from Whitehorse to St. John’s, Phoenix to Orlando. We attended Conferences, PGA Merchandise Shows, Board Meetings, Chapter Meetings, Allied Associations Meetings, and numerous miscellaneous business meetings.
Although the NGCOA Canada agenda always kept us busy, Larry ensured that we made time to enjoy life along the way. He was also very good at that.
We enjoyed the days at his cottage, Leafs-Senators games, deep sea fishing, whale watching, the Calgary Stampede, and some of my most memorable golf.
I had an invite from Arnold Palmer to bring a foursome to play Bay Hill, so Larry joined me for a spectacular day. Larry was a good golfer. I happened to have my best round of the year and I think that was the only time I ever beat him, with Arnie playing a couple groups behind us. In the lounge after the round, we heard that Palmer had
Jeff and Larry, enjoying Calgary Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show
his worst round of the year, so Larry mused that I had beaten Arnie on his own course!
Since Larry’s passing, I have received many sympathetic messages from those who served on our Boards with Larry, as well as from NGCOA Canada staff. Everyone loved and had such deep respect for him. For me, Larry was an exceptional mentor as well as a great friend. He made me a better CEO and a better person.
On behalf of the NGCOA Canada and golf course owners and operators from coast to coast, thank you Larry. Your legacy lives on, larger than life, and your vision will continue to motivate us all for the good of your favourite game, golf.
Jeff Calderwood, CEO NGCOA Canada jcalderwood@ngcoa.ca
Jeff, Mark Seabrook, RCMP Officer, Larry and Scott Atkinson, celebrate the NGCOA Canada’s 10th Anniversary in Ottawa, 2003
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